Why Your ZZ Plant Not Growing New Shoots: Causes & Solutions
It is very pathetic when your beautiful ZZ plant is not growing new shoots for a long time. And it happens most often and many ZZ plant lovers are always looking for ways to boost their plants and get new shoots. But you cannot wait for a season of using a particular fertilizer that can bring a new shoot to your ZZ plant.
Then what to do when my ZZ plant is not growing shoot? You must be thinking about it, right? If yes, I have some suggestions for you. And I’ll share them all in this content.
First, let me make it clear that I cannot guarantee that the following tips will definitely get you a new ZZ plant shoot. But these tips helped me several times to boost the growth of my ZZ plant. So, I can predict that these will help your plant as well. As none of the tricks have some demerits, you can give a try on them for sure.
Reasons for ZZ Plant not Growing New Shoots at a Glance
Let’s start the discussion with some valid reasons behind the problem. If your ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) isn’t producing new shoots, there could be a few reasons. Here’s a breakdown of possible causes and solutions.
Insufficient Sunlight
ZZ plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. When they don’t receive enough light, growth can slow down, and you might notice yellowing leaves or tall, leggy stems. Try moving your plant to a brighter location, but avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.
Watering Issues
Both overwatering and underwatering can stop ZZ plants from growing new shoots. If you water too much, the roots may rot. On the other hand, not watering enough can cause the plant to dry out. Make sure to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Always use a well-draining potting mix.
Root-Rot
ZZ plants are susceptible to root-rot, especially in soggy soil. If your plant’s roots look mushy or black, it’s a sign of root rot. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, trim away any affected roots, and repot it in fresh, dry soil.
Pests or Fungal Issues
Insects like spider mites and aphids can disrupt a ZZ plant’s growth. Fungal diseases caused by excess moisture also pose a risk. Check your plant regularly for pests and treat with an appropriate, gentle method to keep the plant healthy.
Depleted Soil
Over time, soil can lose its nutrients. If your ZZ plant has been in the same soil for a long period, it may lack the nutrients needed for new shoots to grow. Refresh the soil or add a slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients.
Temperature Problems
ZZ plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). If the plant is in a drafty spot or exposed to extreme temperature changes, it may not grow properly. Keep your plant in a stable, warm environment to support its growth.
Natural Growth Cycles
Like all plants, ZZ plants have natural cycles of growth. During colder months or in less favorable conditions, growth can slow down. Be patient and allow your plant time to rest, as it may start producing new shoots when the conditions improve.
Root-Bound Condition
If your ZZ plant has outgrown its pot, it may become root-bound. This can cause the plant to stop growing new shoots because the roots have no room to spread. Repot your ZZ plant into a larger container to give it room to grow.
Propagation Challenges
When propagating ZZ plants, it’s essential to ensure the cutting develops healthy roots before transplanting. If your propagated ZZ isn’t growing new shoots, it may need more time or better conditions to root and grow successfully.
Quick Solution: ZZ Plant Is not Growing New Shoots
If you are looking for a quick solution to solve this problem, I guess the following table can help you get the solution in a minute. But make sure to detect the reason for the problem to choose the right solution.
| Issue | Solution |
| Insufficient Light | Change the ZZ plant placement |
| Insufficient Water | Make a proper watering schedule |
| Root Rot | Repot the plant and use a fungicide to heal the roots |
| Fungal Diseases | Use different germ killers and fungicides |
| Small Plant Pot | Repot the plant in a bigger size pot |
| Inappropriate temperature | Replace the plant in a right place |
| Insufficient Fertilizer | Use organic and suitable fertilizer and plant food |
What to Do When Your ZZ Plant is not Growing New Shoots
The table must tell you what you should do when your ZZ plant is not growing properly. Still, you might need some essential information in this case.
1. Keep the Plant in a Brighter Place
As you know, the most common reason is that the plant is not getting enough light. ZZ plants require bright, indirect light to thrive, so if it is placed in a low-light area, they may need more energy to produce new growth.
2. Water the Plant Regularly
Another reason could be that the plant needs to receive more water. ZZ plants have thick, succulent leaves that store water, so they do not need to be watered frequently. However, if the soil is allowed to dry out completely, the plant may not have the moisture it needs to produce new shoots.
3. Fertilize It and Use Insecticides
A third reason could be that the plant needs to receive the proper nutrients. ZZ plants growth require well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. If the soil is poor quality or not properly fertilized, the plant may not have the necessary nutrients to support new growth.
4. Let It Be As It Is
Finally, the plant may reach the end of its growth cycle. ZZ plants have a natural growth pattern, and it is not uncommon for them to go through periods of slower growth or no growth at all. In these cases, it is essential to be patient and provide the plant with the proper care and conditions to support its growth.
So, you should often reconsider and let the plant be as it is. In most cases, you will make some improvement when you will repot it with nutritious plant food and soil. You can repot the plant in a broader and deeper container using well-draining potting soil. This will give the plant more space to spread out and grow new stems.
Tips to Make Your ZZ Plant Bushier
Making this low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plant busier and growing is not an uphill battle. If you manage to take regular caring for zz plant, you might help it for sure. Here are some tips on how to take care of your ZZ plant.
1. Water
Your beautiful large ZZ plant is very drought-tolerant, so it only needs to be watered once a week or less frequently in the winter. Water, the plant until the soil, is evenly moist, but be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
2. Light
Initially, a ZZ plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
3. Soil
Generally, all the varieties of the ZZ plants thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. A mix of potting soil and perlite or sand works well. So, when you will repot it, you should use nutritious well-draining soil.
4. Fertilizer
Fertilize the ZZ plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer. But make sure to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can burn the roots.
5. Temperature
The ZZ plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can damage the leaves.
6. Pests
The ZZ plant is generally resistant to pests but can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Regularly inspect the plant and use a mild soap solution to remove any pests.
Following these tips, you will definitely help your cute ZZ plant be Bushier and healthier. Make sure to remind all the six tips and never ignore any of them at all.
Good Bye Words
For sure, the ZZ plant is a popular indoor plant that is at the same time expensive and hardy. Still, it often refuses to grow. Sometimes, your large ZZ plant stops growing new shoots. In this case, you can follow the mentioned tips to help it boost its growth. Still, if none of them works, you should let it be as it is. It might be in a shock and it can get over automatically.
Hopefully, you have got your answer for how do zz plants grow. Still, you can leave your questions in the comment section if you have any confusion left. Thank you for your time. Have a good day.
